INDONESIAN Sukendar Unjoto may not have won any gold medal yet in the Asia Pacific Masters Games but at age 87, he has the distinction of being the oldest of all the 5,564 participants from 64 countries taking part in the games in Penang.
Wearing a hearing aid, Unjoto is not bothered with all the razzmatazz at the City Stadium as he focuses on competing in his remaining field events – shot putt tomorrow (Sept 13) and hammer throw on Friday (Sept 14) in the 85 age group and above category.
Today, he clinched his second bronze in the discus event with a throw of 10.85m, behind New Zealander James Alexander Blair and Russian Victor Klypin. Unjoto had won his first bronze in the javelin event on Tuesday.
“I used to do a lot of walking and had won numerous medals. But I’ve given up the track events because my knees are not strong enough. So, I concentrate on the throws,” Unjoto said after receiving his prize from Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Azli Ibrahim.
Unjoto is in Penang together with his son, Rudy, 59, daughter-in-law Sherlie, 53, and coach Tanu Riady. In all, he has seven children, 19 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
“I always advise young people to work hard and never give up. Also, they must have adequate rest in this world where everyone seems to be very busy,” said Unjoto, who was a very successful businessman in Bandung dealing in textiles and property development.
He is not very particular about food except that he does not indulge in a lot of meat. He loves to eat sweet potatoes and brown rice.
What amazes his coach, Riady, is that Unjoto possesses a lot of fighting spirit, probably cultivated in his days as a young entrepreneur.
“He has competed in several Masters or veteran events in Brunei, Singapore and Thailand. He has strong shoulders and flexibility. The most important thing is that he is happy as an athlete,” said Riady, who has been coaching Unjoto for the past 10 years.
Rudy chipped in: “We just give him our moral support. It’s good for him to enjoy himself with people from so many different countries.”
Discus winner Blair, who hails from Upper Hunt, near Wellington in New Zealand, is also aged 87.
He attributed his staying power in athletics to being always involved in coaching after his competitive days.
“I never stop coaching students and teachers. And I also play a lot of other sports, like cricket, soccer and indoor basketball. I never smoke,” said the Blair, who has three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
The lanky New Zealander likes to take part in Masters Games as is it more of a social event, instead of the competitive World Masters Championships where “sometimes athletes don’t even speak to one another.”
His high point in his sports involvement happened seven years ago when his son, son-in-law and grandson played soccer together for the same team during his 80th birthday.
“It was a very satisfying and memorable occasion for me as three generations came together to feature in a game for an old timer’s club. What more when it was on my 80th birthday,” said a beaming Blair.
“I’m looking forward to next year when I’ll be playing soccer as a leftback during the 100th jubilee celebration of the Stop Out Sports Club back home.”
Unjoto and Blair are two of the many veteran athletes in the APMG 2018 who really give much meaning to the saying “Old is gold.”
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting